Marcus Mariota Closing in on Rookie Touchdown Record

Marcus Mariota is having an all time great season for a rookie quarterback.  Currently at 19 touchdown passes, Mariota needs just seven more to tie Russell Wilson and Peyton Manning for the most touchdown passes in NFL history as a rookie.  That's a staggering statistic, considering Mariota has missed two entire games.

Perhaps even more impressive, look at who he's putting up these numbers with.  His supporting cast isn't exactly at an all-pro level.  He's elevating the guys around him to the best of his abilities.  It's spectacular to watch.  I don't think he's getting enough national credit for this, probably because of the 3-9 record. However, I highly doubt Mariota cares about any of that.

Mariota's counterpart -- Jameis Winston -- is having an outstanding season as well.  He's tossed 17 touchdowns and is also in striking distance of the rookie touchdown pass record.

As we head down the homestretch, Mariota will get three tough defenses in a row.  The Jets, Patriots and Texans will all pose problems for the Titans' offense as a whole.  Mariota will need Dorial Green-Beckham, Kendall Wright and Delanie Walker to step up now more than ever.

Green-Beckham appeared to turn a corner last week against the Jaguars, but will face a very talented secondary this weekend that includes Darrelle Revis, who should return from injury this week.

The road to Manning and Wilson won't be easy for the next three weeks, but Marcus just seems to be getting better as the season goes on.  I'm not putting anything past him at this point.